Raising the Protein Bar with Five Plus Protein

Sponsored by Five Plus Protein to keep OPP free for readers.

Oklahomans Joel and Lynda Montesano are passionate about fitness and fueling their bodies with the highest quality foods available. We sat down with the husband-and-wife duo responsible for Five Plus Protein to learn more about their business, and what they feel sets their protein bars ahead of the competitors. If you like what  you see, use code pickleball15 to save 15%

Have you always been health conscious? 

Joel: Exercising and fitness have always been a part of my life. I saw Rocky Balboa drinking raw eggs in the movies, and that is when my journey with protein started. Since then, I have used protein supplements like powders and bars. As I’ve gotten older, I realized that many protein bars contain ingredients that aren’t necessarily the best for our bodies. Just because it is called a protein bar does not mean it is healthy.

Is that how your business came about? 

Joel: Yes. I became frustrated with the sugar crashes that would occur after eating bars that were high in sugar. At the same time, I was learning how natural ingredients like turmeric, cacao and cinnamon have positive effects on inflammation. I learned that many of the protein bars available not only were high in sugar but contained ingredients that create or encourage inflammation. After trying virtually every protein bar on the market, we thought it was time to make our own.

Lynda: Around the same time, I was diagnosed with lupus and hypothyroidism. People with auto-immune disorders have to make dietary changes to avoid inflammatory foods, so creating these was a life-saver for me.

Joel: I tried making them myself in our kitchen, but they were horrible. We found a company in California to craft the protein bars from our recipes.

What does the name Five Plus Protein mean? 

Joel: Five means that all of our products are (1) non-GMO, (2) 100% vegan, (3) no added sugar, (4) gluten free and (5) high in fiber, plus they contain easily digestible, anti-inflammatory properties and taste great.

When is the best time to enjoy your product? 

Joel: Our protein bars have between 190 and 200 calories, depending on the flavor, with 12 grams of protein. We have a peanut butter, cacao and chocolate chip bar; a lemon ginger bar; and a cafe mocha latte with cacao nibs bar. They are all easily digestible and will not cause any GI distress, so you can have one anytime. They are great to have with a meal, as a snack—and we even have customers who eat them before or after a workout. (editors note: they make a great pickleball snack too!)

Lynda: My daughter is a busy mom and carries them in her bag for her and her kids. They are also a great way for aging adults to get a little extra protein in their diet.

Joel: They are really designed for everyday people.

What makes your protein bars stand out? 

Joel: It is really reassuring to our customers to know that our products are healthy, are made with the highest quality ingredients and are not going to cause an upset stomach or sugar crash. If you can tolerate one of our products, you can tolerate them all.

What is next for Five Plus Protein? 

Joel: We have a protein powder coming out next year which will be made from the same high quality, anti-inflammatory ingredients. We hope to continue expanding our available flavors and products as we grow.

Where can people buy your protein bars?

Joel: Right now, they are only available online at https://fiveplusprotein.com/ or on Amazon. All of our product is American made, crafted in California and either Lynda or myself, or our business partner Bridget Grover, are hand-packing each order. Use code pickleball15 to save 15%

Reprinted from 405 Magazine, w permission from Joel Montesano.